Looks like Fullerton is about to enter it’s fourth incarnation, as the theatre will be undergoing a conversion to AMC’s “dine-in” concept this year. I’m unsure if the plan is for both sides or only the “classic” side, but they’ve posted the application for liquor license notice on both structures. I would assume the long vacant restaurant space, attached to the “classic” side, will be converted in to a kitchen. There is also a vacant coffee shop (prior to that an arcade) attached to the “classic” side; perhaps, they’ll convert that to a lounge or bar. Both the restaurant and coffee shop units are part of AMC’s lease.

And if I’m not mistaken, the two additional “large auditoriums” were opened prior to 1992. I saw “Father of the Bride” there in 1991.

The complex, especially when it was opened in 1987, was fairly uninspiring. It was similiar in decorative features to the AMC MainPlace which opened earlier that year. But in my opinion, the MainPlace theatres (especially the big 70mm houses) were nicer. I don’t know if I’d call the AMC Fullerton classic, but it was more of an improvement over AMC’s previous fare, like the Orange Mall 6.

Pacific Theatres was planning a large megaplex on the site of the old Anaheim Drive-In, just down the street and off the 91 Freeway. AMC had expanded their Fullerton complex to 20 screens, but I’m not clear on the exact year. The first time I visited the stadium side was for the engagement of “South Park.” But I think that Pacific backed out because of AMC’s presence within such a small radius. A Lowes Home Improvement store sits on the site of the old drive-in.